In a display of swift action and conservation commitment, wildlife experts successfully rescued two highly venomous Russell's vipers and a large Indian Rock python in separate incidents on the outskirts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city. The operations, which took place over the weekend, highlight the ongoing human-wildlife interactions in the region and the crucial role of trained rescuers.
Russell's Vipers Saved from Farm Well
The first rescue involved a pair of Russell's vipers, one of the four most venomous snake species found in India. The incident occurred on a farm near the Sukhana Dam. The farm's owner, Ashok Chavan, discovered the snakes had fallen into an unfenced well and promptly contacted honorary wildlife warden Kishor Pathak.
Pathak rushed to the location on Sunday and orchestrated the rescue. "The well was unfenced, and two full-grown Russell's vipers fell inside it," Pathak explained. The team employed a makeshift arrangement to carefully extract the reptiles. Following the successful operation, both vipers were released back into their natural habitat, which typically includes open grassy plains, scrublands, and farmlands.
Massive Python Rescued from Industrial Area
In a separate operation just days earlier, a team led by snake rescuer Sharad Dabhade secured a large Indian Rock python. The non-venomous constrictor was found on the premises of an industrial unit in the Shendra MIDC area on Friday.
Due to the python's significant size, the rescue required a coordinated effort. "The python was very large and required a team of around half a dozen persons to get hold of it," Dabhade stated. The operation was conducted under the supervision of forest department officials, ensuring all protocols were followed. After being safely captured, the python was also released into a suitable wild habitat.
Conservation Significance of the Rescues
These rescues are not just about removing snakes from human settlements but are vital conservation acts. The Indian Rock python is classified as a near-threatened species and enjoys the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
While Russell's viper is not as rare, its conservation is equally important for ecological balance. Both incidents underscore the need for public awareness and prompt action through proper channels, such as contacting honorary wildlife wardens or forest department officials, rather than attempting to handle dangerous wildlife independently.
The successful outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the local wildlife rescue network in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and set a positive example for human-wildlife coexistence.
